Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring Trinomials
Factoring trinomials involves rewriting a quadratic expression in the form ax^2 + bx + c as a product of two binomials. This process often requires identifying two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b. Understanding this concept is essential for simplifying expressions and solving equations.
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Perfect Square Trinomials
A perfect square trinomial is a specific type of trinomial that can be expressed as the square of a binomial, such as (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2. Recognizing these forms helps in factoring efficiently, as they follow a predictable pattern. The trinomial 4x^2y^2 + 28xy + 49 can be identified as a perfect square.
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Common Factors
Identifying common factors is a crucial step in factoring polynomials. It involves finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms in the expression, which can simplify the trinomial before further factoring. In the given trinomial, recognizing that each term shares a common factor can streamline the factoring process.
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